8 Low-Toxic Cleaning Ingredients (You Probably Already Have at Home)

Cleaning your home doesn’t have to mean harsh chemicals and strong fumes. With just a few simple ingredients you may already have, you can create safe, low-tox cleaning solutions that are effective, affordable and eco-friendly. Here’s a guide to eight of my favorite go-to cleaning ingredients. 

Oh, and if you’re new here, “scrunchy” means I’m a little crunchy—not full-on granola, just low-waste, from-scratch vibes… and zero guilt when instant ramen calls my name.

1. Isopropyl Alcohol

Great for disinfecting and streak-free cleaning. Use a mix of 70% isopropyl alcohol with water to clean glass, mirrors and small surfaces. For my homemade cleaners, I like to use glass spray bottles and an embossing label maker (just because that’s the vibe I like) so I can differentiate between each one.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that works wonders on sinks, tubs and stovetops. Sprinkle, scrub and rinse to remove stains and odors. 

3. White Vinegar

Perfect for cutting grease, deodorizing and dissolving mineral deposits. Mix equal parts vinegar and water for an all-purpose cleaner. Avoid using on natural stone surfaces.

Scrunchy Tip: Sprinkle baking soda and vinegar down your sink to help clear minor clogs and freshen up the pipes. Be sure to let it sit for about 30 seconds before using hot water to wash it down.

4. Fels Naptha

Ideal for tough laundry stains. Wet the stain, rub Fels Naptha bar gently, and wash as usual for natural stain removal. I’ve even used this stuff on my favorite white Reeboks and textured New Balance 574’s that had become several shades darker than their original color, and they scrubbed out good as new!

5. Borax

Borax is a versatile booster for laundry and cleaning. Use to enhance detergent, clean moldy surfaces or even deodorize carpets.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide

A natural disinfectant and my fail-safe stain remover (goodbye, red wine!). Use in bathrooms or on cutting boards for a safe, non-toxic solution. 

8. Castile Soap

This gentle soap is tough on dirt and grime for laundry, dishes, countertops or floors. My favorite is naturally scented with mint.

7. Combination Tips

• Glass Cleaner: 1 cup water + 1 cup isopropyl alcohol + 1 tbsp vinegar.

• All-Purpose Scrub: Baking soda + a few drops of water to form a paste.

• Laundry Booster: Borax + Fels Naptha for extra-clean clothes.

Safety Note

Even low-tox ingredients should be stored safely and used responsibly. Always test on a small area first.